Disgraced actor Jussie Smollett hasn’t been in the headlines since he was shamed for his hate crime hoax, so he put himself back on the map by publicizing his latest move.
The actor’s publicist released a statement to the press to notify fans the actor has checked himself in to rehab — but we’re not sure why, and frankly, nobody was really asking. His team drummed up some drama by telling entertainment outlets he entered rehab on his own accord but didn’t make any mention at all about which vices landed him there.
View this post on Instagram
“Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years,” a representative from Smollett’s camp told TMZ. “He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps.”
Although Smollett’s team made it clear he took initiative to handle his issues, they made absolutely no mention of what those issues actually were.
Sources close to the matter said the actor is currently participating in some sort of outpatient program but offered no further information on the matter, according to TMZ.
View this post on Instagram
Smollett’s rehab stint coincides with his ongoing appeal in his criminal case in Chicago. (RELATED: Jussie Smollett’s Lawyers Appeal Hate Crime Hoax Conviction)
The actor was found guilty of lying to police about an alleged attack in 2019. He staged his own attack and put a noose on his own neck to convince police a real altercation took place, law enforcement said. A judge sentenced Smollett to 150 days in jail, but he was released for his appeal.